A VAT refund guide to Switzerland
How to get VAT Refunds from Switzerland for your business
Businesses registered in countries outside of Switzerland can claim VAT refunds on any costs incurred in Switzerland.
The below information details the requirements needed to be eligible for a VAT refund. This includes claimable expense types, Switzerland VAT rates, deadlines and claiming periods.
Which countries have reciprocity with Switzerland?
Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, the Bermuda Islands, Bulgaria, Canada (only for certain services), Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic (with restrictions), Denmark (with restrictions), Estonia, Finland, France, Germany (with restrictions), Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Turkey (only for certain services), the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom (with restrictions regarding the Channel Islands), the United States of America
For a more detailed explanation on what reciprocity means within the scope of VAT, click here:
What expenses are claimable in Switzerland?
Entertainment
Entertainment
7.7%
Hotels & Accommodation
3.7%
Restaurants
7.7%
Events
Conferences, Trade Shows & Exhibitions
7.7%
Training Courses & Seminars
7.7%
Travel Related
Car Rental
7.7%
Fuel
7.7%
Public Transport
7.7%
Taxis
7.7%
General Expenses
Goods
7.7%
Inter-company charges
7.7%
Office Expenses
7.7%
Marketing Costs
7.7%
Professional Fees & AP invoices
7.7%
Additional Information
How far back can your business claim VAT from Switzerland?
January - December of previous year for all countries
What’s the foreign VAT deadline in Switzerland?
30 June for all countries
How long does it take to receive a VAT refund from Switzerland?
Depending on the complexity of your application and the capacity at the VAT authority, it can take up to 6 months for EU businesses and up to 6 months for Non-EU businesses to receive a VAT refund from Switzerland
Need help with your VAT refund from Switzerland?
You don’t have to do this alone. We’ve been helping companies reclaim foreign VAT refunds for over 20 years. We have the knowledge and technology to process your refunds quicker as well as attend to any unforeseen VAT authority queries that may arise.
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